The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics is redefining the way musculoskeletal care is delivered across the region with locations throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
As March unfolds, we find ourselves immersed in the celebration of International Women's History Month. At Summit Orthopedics, we take immense pride in recognizing and honoring the incredible contributions of women not only within our practice but also across the field of orthopedics worldwide.
Our practice is fortunate to have a diverse team consisting of many talented female employees and providers. Among them are four remarkable women who play pivotal roles in delivering exceptional care to our patients. Dr. Alison Kitay and Dr. Eve Hoffman, both esteemed orthopedic surgeons, bring unparalleled expertise and compassion to their practice. Additionally, we have two outstanding Physician Assistants, Ashley Walton and Cortney Tanner, whose dedication and skill greatly contribute to our patients' well-being.
Despite historically being a male-dominated field, the representation of women in orthopedics has been steadily increasing. According to recent data, approximately 15-20% of orthopedic surgeons in the United States are female. While there is still progress to be made, we are proud to see more women pursuing careers in orthopedic medicine and making significant strides in the field.
In observance of International Women's History Month, let us take a moment to acknowledge some orthopedic conditions that are commonly seen in women. While orthopedic issues can affect individuals of any gender, certain conditions tend to have a high prevalence among women. These may include:
Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weakened bones, osteoporosis is more prevalent in women, particularly postmenopausal women, due to hormonal changes that affect bone density.
ACL Tears: Women are more prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears compared to men. Factors such as differences in anatomy, hormonal fluctuations, and biomechanics contribute to this increased risk.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition, characterized by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm, is more common in women, possibly due to smaller wrist bones and hormonal influences.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Often referred to as "runner's knee," this condition causes pain around the kneecap and is more prevalent in women, possibly due to differences in hip and lower limb biomechanics.
Thank you for entrusting Summit Orthopedics with your orthopedic health needs. We remain committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to every patient we serve.